Rigas named as part of Gibbs campaign steering committee

In a press release from the Pride in River Forest slate, the campaign touted a successful campaign party on Feb. 12 which included the naming of a Steering Committee to guide the campaign of Mike Gibbs for village president and the trustee slate of Lissa Druss Christman, Kevin Hanley and Tom Dwyer, Jr.

Included in the release was the list of the committee members and notable on that list was John Rigas, the current River Forest village president. We asked Rigas in an e-mail if this constituted an official endorsement of Gibbs for village president over fellow village trustee Cathy Adduci?

Here's the response from Rigas:

"I am supporting the 'Pride in River Forest' team. I think all of the candidates in this group bring unique qualities and experiences to the board.

With regard to the presidential race, I was put in an awkward position as both Mike and Cathy supported me and were a part of our team that ran together. I wish they both would remain on the board. However, they have elected to run against each other. I am supporting Mike because I believe his life long experience of living in Oak Park and River Forest gives him an advantage in understanding the community and its history. It is no secret that Mike is a close friend."

You see, children forget what their country means by just reading "The Land of the Free" in history books. Then they get to be adults they forget even more. Liberty's too precious a thing to be buried in books. Adults should hold it up in front of them every single day of their lives and say: I'm free to think and to speak. My ancestors couldn't, I can, and my children will. Children ought to grow up remembering that.

Jeff Smith from D.C.

Posted: February 18th, 2013 6:17 PM

You see, boys forget what their country means by just reading The Land of the Free in history books. Then they get to be men they forget even more. Liberty's too precious a thing to be buried in books. Men should hold it up in front of them every single day of their lives and say: I'm free to think and to speak. My ancestors couldn't, I can, and my children will. Boys ought to grow up remembering that.

Fact Finder from River Forest

Posted: February 18th, 2013 8:35 AM

Webster's description of a nomad: one of a people that has no FIXED location but wanders from place to place. There is not one candidate that meets that description. I believe all the candidates are wonderful residents who care about our community. By the way, stop comparing us to Oak Park!

Tony from RF

Posted: February 18th, 2013 8:14 AM

not knowing enough how this works is worrysome. in looking at my taxbill, i see pensions are way underfunded. i also recall all the bad noise bout deputy chiefs being appointed, one was the president of the union. what was that about. seems the key to the town is the pensions, and who was taking money

FRANK from Oak Park

Posted: February 18th, 2013 7:56 AM

Dr Know and Alice in Wonderland, state facts which can be supported by documentation or first hand accounts. First point, you don't want nomads running your town like in Oak Park and you don't want Melrose Park and Elmwood Park running it via proxy. Second, keep talking about one candidate and you will miss the bigger stories related to the others. What are their plans and what are they hiding from their supporters?

In the Know

Posted: February 18th, 2013 1:50 AM

It is known within village circles that Mr. Gibbs's campaign is circling the drain. Gibbs and Winikates are Rigas cronies, one or the other is always motioning up Rigas pushed agenda items during meetings. What people need to look at is what the endgame is, or could be. Rigas was heavily favored by the Paris regime (which should have been enough to vote NO to him), to keep the public trough of money flowing.Gibbs is being selected to take his place. No dice.

Alice from River Forest

Posted: February 17th, 2013 9:21 AM

I thought it odd that Rigas cited "lifelong residency" first as his reason to support Gibbs. What leadership skill is that? I would prefer a President and Trustees with strong financial, managerial, and executive decision-making skills. Like half of RF residents, I moved here in my adult life. I contribute to the community, pay the same taxes, and love my new hometown. If lifelong residency is truly an advantage, then let's just elect our oldest living resident.

RF Achievement

Posted: February 17th, 2013 7:49 AM

New faces to help the village and all taxpayers is VERY welcome, I agree with you MMc. What I find VERY disturbing - is this slate business. Just look @ Melrose,... that is done, and look at their debt and problems. We need new people running who do NOT need to link themselves to Slates. Why, a slate is trying to use the POWER of one name to PUSH through the rest. You have to ask WHY??? Paris did it for years, than Rigas and now Gibbs. Lets keep talking, Is there a connection here....

MMc from River Forest

Posted: February 16th, 2013 11:55 PM

Does anybody else see the irony in criticizing a politician who has decided to step aside & give someone else a chance? These are the same folks who will demand term limits & claim the whole gang is fixed. The Pride in River Forest ticket, as I understand it, are by & large political newcomers who are - admirably - willing to do their part & serve a community they feel strongly about. It'd be nice to read constructive criticism here rather than mudslinging. I find the Pride slate refreshing.

River Forester #2 from River Forest

Posted: February 16th, 2013 4:35 PM

Will await your book, "How to Lose an Election! You simply remind the voter of your mentor 's record re; underfunding pensions, backdoor referendums, school demolisions and other tax-increasing initiatives.

The Jackel from River Forest

Posted: February 16th, 2013 3:57 PM

By endorcing Gibbs, RIgas has revealed his support for Adduci'' 'aware that his disgraceful record in public service will severely blemish Gibbs campaign. John, brilliently done!

Oak parker

Posted: February 16th, 2013 10:58 AM

hahaha. RF deserves them

Tina Joe

Posted: February 16th, 2013 10:27 AM

So the other 3 to run with Gibbs were dug up - makes sense i guess - Never heard of them, and too young. If he thought both were good enough 2 help him win 4 years ago -- what changed. Did 1 have a broader vision vs the other. Did 1decide to use more of the community for input - get them engaged, did 1 look beyond the old boys network to get the real vision and ideas of women involved in their village. This is an interesting election. The old guard versus new (1) ideas.

RF Watcher from River Forest

Posted: February 16th, 2013 8:46 AM

The best part Jim is that Mike Gibbs was born and raised in Oak Park.

Jim from River Forest

Posted: February 16th, 2013 8:42 AM

I am appalled by the ignorance of Mr. Rigas to state that a person born in River Forest has a better understanding of this village than a smart woman (Ms. Adduci) who has live here most of her adult life. I have to agree with RF Achievement that it is clear that Mr. Rigas wants to become the Wizard of Oz (or the godfather) behind the curtain of Mr. Gibbs. Let's hope Toto exposes him before the election so we do not have to endure another 4 years of John Rigas' reign. What is Mr. Rigas' end game?

RF Watcher from River Forest

Posted: February 16th, 2013 8:21 AM

Rigas finds 3 people who have never served on any board more qualified than Roma Steinke who has been the village clerk for the last 4 years? Does this mean that Mike Gibbs also agrees with Rigas that the backdoor referendum that Rigas engineered at Dist. 200 and that resulted in the current $120 million tax reserve was a good thing and was proper fiscal management? If so watch out RF. You are basically getting Rigas' underhanded governance with none of the smarts.

You're Kidding from River Forest

Posted: February 16th, 2013 8:11 AM

@Ron from Oak Park.....GREAT a guy from Oak Park telling us who to vote for in River Forest. Since when are we alike?

Tony J from River Forest

Posted: February 15th, 2013 7:16 PM

What - a press release to do what. Seriously, is this campaign so far behind they need to do things like this. Never heard anything good or bad about this gibbs guy, but seems he is already feeling the need to get proped up - endorsed? So what is his vision.

RF Achievement

Posted: February 15th, 2013 6:57 PM

A tough one for sure. The gig was out - and everyone was talking the actual. Gibbs is THE front man for Rigas. Rigas wants to remain "the one in control and setting the agenda" but not deal with the grind of the meetings?? Sounds a bit like the Godfather. This admission only cements what people had surmised since last October. Let the fun begin.

Ron Murphy from Oak Park

Posted: February 15th, 2013 6:04 PM

That's a tough one for John Rigas but he's right, Mike Gibbs has been active in both communities and the school district since he attended OPRF. I have been on both sides of issues with Mike Gibbs, He has always worked hard to understand what the other side wants and diligently attempts to make things work for everyone. At a time when the country is so politically polarized, Mike Gibbs is exactly the right mix of brains, street smarts and compassion to move River Forest in the right direction.

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